Diana’s story

After a successful career in IT, specialising in warehouse transportation, Diana was ready for a change. Retirement wasn’t about slowing down — it was about doing something meaningful, hands-on, and completely different.

A chance visit to the Thames Hospice shop in Sunninghill marked the beginning of that new chapter. Drawn to the store’s commitment to sustainability, Diana picked up a leaflet and soon found her perfect volunteering role: helping to manage the charity’s eBay store. “I’m very keen on recycling,” she says. “And I didn’t want to get too emotionally involved — so eBay felt like the ideal fit.”

With a natural curiosity and an eye for detail, Diana quickly embraced the challenge of researching and listing items for sale. “Learning something new every day is what keeps it exciting,” she explains. Her friends now regularly hand over quirky, unusual items in hopes that Diana can turn them into funds for the Hospice. From fashion to vintage cameras, she’s always ready to dig into the history and value of an item — no matter how obscure.

But her involvement hasn’t stopped at the keyboard. Diana also lends her time to the local fundraising group, helping to organise cake sales and events. And now, as Volunteer Representative for the eBay team, she’s helping to support and inspire others who give their time to Thames Hospice.

“Thames Hospice has certainly filled a lot of my retirement time,” she reflects. It’s clear that Diana has not only found a brilliant way to use her skills but also a meaningful use of her spare time.